Chapter Text
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Leo had always considered himself weak, both physically and mentally, he wasn’t a good fighter and he was always letting his emotions control him. In the grand scheme of things, he had no idea how after 3 years he was still a Libra member, he kept reminding himself it wasn’t the eyes, but what else would it be? These damn eyes were all he was good for and yet something in the way the other members smiled at him made his heart flutter and he simply hoped (prayed) that they liked him more than that, and that he was a valued member of Libra like he was told.
It was just hard to believe.
He started at himself in the mirror of his damp and dingey bathroom, the fluorescent light casting an exaggerated shadow under his eyes, he had stopped brushing his teeth to examine a small scar on his shoulder - it was nothing big, or impressive, a small sliver of silvery skin - it served as a reminder of just how dangerous his job was, and yet somehow the fear of dying wasn’t the thing the scared him the most. Was that strange? Was he abnormal for being more scared of rejection than death? He spat out his toothpaste and finished washing his face, either way he would be late for work if he didn’t leave soon - traffic in Hellsalems’ Lot was notoriously bad afterall.
Leo hopped on his little scooter and crammed his head in the helmet, Sonic wrapped around his neck as they sped through the city. Although no-one minded if he was late, Leo felt it rude to not be at least somewhat punctual, besides he preferred to be around when everyone discussed important topics even if he wasn’t really involved. Traffic wasn’t as bad as some days and he made it to the grand Headquarters in good time, thanking whoever wanted to listen that he wasn’t knocked off his bike today - something that happened more often than should be considered average. As he walked through the long corridor Sonic zoomed on ahead of him, bursting into the room unannounced, Leo followed shortly after, shocked at the way multiple faces seemed to stare at him as he stood awkwardly in the doorway.
“U-um… did I do something?”
Klaus had his head in his hand, staring at his monitor unblinking, Steven smiled and responded in his place; “No, no. We’re just glad you’re here. There’s been… a development…”. Leo’s eyebrows knitted in confusion, he hadn’t heard of anything that could upset Klaus like this. Despite seeming out of character he still looked calm and Leo sat on the couch alongside Chain, her stoic face showing the smallest of smiles.
“Leo, how would you feel about going on a rather long mission, involving travelling a little far away?” Steven continued.
“F-far away? What do you mean?”
Steven cleared his throat before continuing; “Well, every so often Klaus’ family like to hold a little get together. It’s only happened a few times, but his family didn’t really approve of me or K.K being his plus-one so we’re looking for someone else to join him”
Despite being talked about, Klaus didn’t seem to move a muscle, Leo’s eyes flicked back and forth between the red head and the raven; whose smile was getting a little creepy the more he tried to remain composed. A family get-together? Was it such a big deal? Leo knew Klaus’ family were big, important and possibly rich - but for everyone to seem so tense, it made Leo feel uncomfortable.
“W-why me?”
Steven blinked, opened his mouth, closed it again and looked away. Chain leant in beside Leo, “Because Boss’ family are all stuck-up, rich and traditionalist. They didn’t like Steven because he said he couldn’t recite poetry by heart.”
Steven sighed, “K.K apparently wasn’t ‘good enough’ because she was too loud.”
“And I…” Chain said, pointing at herself, “punched one of his brothers”.
Leo grimaced, “I-I really don’t know how you think I’m going to give a good impression compared to you guys! I’ll just make Klaus look bad!”
Steven ran a hand through his hair, “but… you’re better than Zapp”
The room went quiet, he had a point. Klaus had remained silent the whole time, despite looking engrossed in a game of prosfair, he hadn’t moved his hands, or once clicked a button, Leo wondered if this was the kind of thing where rich families eat with 6 forks and butlers fill up their drinks for free. But… from the sounds of it, Klaus turning up alone was not an option, for whatever reason his family seemed set on him bringing an ‘acceptable’ plus-one. Leo grimaced, he was going to make Klaus look like a fool… but…
“O-ok” he said meekly, feeling a heat rise in his cheeks. “B-but I’m just gonna make him look bad…”
Steven exclaimed happily that he was sure Leo would do great, slapping him on the back and telling him to pack a suit. Chain gave a thumbs up, and told him to just not punch anyone and she was sure he’d do well. Klaus finally looked up, looking a little shell-shocked -”Wait, Leo!”
He got up from behind his desk and rushed over, an eager look on his face, Leo could have sworn he saw little stars in his eyes, “Are you sure? You’ll come with me? Please don’t feel pressured, it’s a rather formal event.” The word formal sent all sorts of bad feelings down Leo’s spine but he nodded.
“Looks like you need a plus-one right? I-I’ll try my best!”
The smile on Klaus’ face was something Leo thought he would treasure forever, soft and genuine, a look of utter thankfulness and maybe just a little sympathy. The bigger man rolled his shoulders, relaxing a little and chatting to Steven about the upcoming plans and how to run Libra while he and Leo were out. Conversations seemed to flow normally once again, and by the time Leo had gotten over the fact he was going to have to buy a suit, Zapp and Zed had walked in, arguing as always and easily lifting the mood.
The rest of the day seemed to pass in a blur, so ordinary and unrememberable. It wasn’t until Leo got home, once again looking at his own reflection in a flickering fluorescent bulb that did the weight of what he had agreed to come crashing down.
He couldn’t go to a fancy place with rich fancy people! He’d make Klaus look like an idiot! Knowing him, he’d probably break something, or insult someone and Klaus would get ostracised from the family forever. Leo grabbed his head with both hands, ruffling his hair up while groaning to himself. He’d have to do something about everything in order to try and preserve Klaus’ reputation and hope that the whole thing just passes uneventfully with no faux pas on his end. Cleaning his face and teeth, he supposed he should try and buy some nice clothes, he didn’t own a suit anymore and although Michella might have one from their parents place he doubted it would fit.
Leo headed out and flopped onto his bed, dragging his phone out he hesitated over the dial button for his sister, it wasn’t too late, he was sure she’d try and help. After resigning to needing her help he rang and hoped Michella would be better at this sort of thing than he was.